Community mural emerging in downtown Mobile features Airbus, bicycling and lots of helping hands

"We're trying to embody some of the things that make up what we are." - Delta Bike Project co-founder Jeff DeQuattro.

MOBILE, Alabama – Living in south Alabama, there are plenty of chances to see manatee, happy bicyclists and, eventually, Airbus planes soaring above a towering skyline.

But perhaps the only place to see all those icons, and dozens more, at once is on the side of a bustling community hub on Warren Street in downtown Mobile. During the inaugural ArtRide event, scheduled during the Aug. 8 LoDa ArtWalk, all will be able to enjoy a new mural spilling from the headquarters of the Delta Bike Project and Rumor Union artistic consortium.

Overflowing with depictions of marine life, city scenes and Mobile's unique architecture, the mural is a multi-cultural salute to the passions and inspirations of area residents.

"It really represents what's going on inside the building, with artists and biking and some other elements," said Jeff DeQuattro, one of the founders of the Delta Bike Project. "But it also represents the biodiversity and life going on in Mobile, in the delta and within the people.

"We're trying to embody some of the things that make up what we are."

Interviewed on Tuesday afternoon, DeQuattro was wrapping up one of many community-volunteer events to get the mural finished in time for ArtRide.

A core group of artists convened on July 16 and have worked without an off day to get the massive canvas filled full of their collective dreams. Scaffolding dots the wall, with paint and supplies strewn everywhere skilled, or excited, hands can reach them.

And that includes "guest artists" from throughout the community.

The latter were on full display Tuesday, as about a dozen students in nearby Dearborn YMCA's summer camp, and other kids, stopped by to touch up imagery ranging from fish and turtles to clams and alligators.

"We're trying to give the kids more exposure and let them see a different side than what they're used to," said Dearborn camp counselor Chandra Parrott. "Most of them haven't painted before, and we're trying to expose them to different things culturally and socially.

"And also to get them involved in giving back to the community."

Parrott said those goals were being exceeded as the Dearborn campers, ranging in age from 8 to 14, filled in details needing both a delicate touch and a wide swath.

Involvement by those who actually live, work and play within the surrounding neighborhoods has been key, according to guest artists Kathy Friedline and Clare King. They and several others were on hand Tuesday to help the kids paint the mural, and further their tireless work under the oaks of Warren Street.

"This is their neighborhood and we're enhancing it," King said.

Replacing blight with beauty has been a theme shared throughout the community efforts of the Rumor Union and Delta Bike Project.

Parrott picked up on that aspect of the mural project immediately as she and co-counselor LaTre Thompson helped their campers, and even spread some paint of their own.

"Usually I ride around and see so many eyesores, but this is refreshing to see something so artistic that just stands out," she said.

According to DeQuattro, the mural will be officially unveiled around lunchtime on Aug. 8, in advance of that night's ArtRide. The public, as well as several civic and community leaders, are encouraged to attend.